The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in collaboration with the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, officially flagged off the One Million Improved Cocoa Seedlings Distribution Programme at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The initiative is aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s cocoa industry by providing improved, high-yielding and disease-resistant cocoa seedlings to farmers across the country. It also seeks to increase cocoa production, rejuvenate ageing plantations, improve farmers’ livelihoods, create employment opportunities and enhance Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings through increased cocoa exports.
The colourful ceremony was attended by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr Abubakar Adamu Dabban, senior government officials, the management and staff of CRIN, representatives of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), cocoa farmers from across the country, development partners, stakeholders in the cocoa value chain and representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In his keynote address, Senator Abubakar Kyari described the programme as a landmark intervention under the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda. He noted that the distribution of one million improved cocoa seedlings demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting cocoa farmers with improved planting materials capable of increasing productivity, improving quality and expanding Nigeria’s share of the global cocoa market.
The Minister emphasised that agriculture remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, adding that the cocoa sub-sector will continue to receive the necessary attention required to drive economic growth, improve rural livelihoods and increase non-oil export earnings.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, commended CRIN for its outstanding research achievements in developing improved cocoa varieties and urged beneficiaries to utilise the seedlings effectively to establish new plantations and rehabilitate old farms. He stressed that collaboration between government, research institutions and farmers remains essential to achieving sustainable agricultural development and national food security.Speaking at the event the Executive Secretary of agricultural research Council of Nigeria (ARCN),Dr Abubakar Adamu Dabban Praise the institute for it’s sustained commitment to agricultural research and innovation, that research remains the foundation for sustainable agricultural development and national food security.
In his welcome address, the Acting Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Dr. A. R. Adedeji, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its continued confidence in the Institute and its investment in agricultural research. He reaffirmed CRIN’s commitment to developing improved technologies and quality planting materials that will enhance cocoa productivity, strengthen Nigeria’s cocoa value chain and improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers nationwide.
Dr. Adedeji further assured stakeholders that the Institute would continue to provide technical support, extension services and research-based innovations that will enable farmers to adopt modern and climate-smart cocoa production practices.
Representatives of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria applauded the initiative, describing it as timely and capable of transforming cocoa production across the country. They pledged their continued support for government programmes aimed at developing the cocoa sector.
The event featured the symbolic presentation and distribution of improved cocoa seedlings to selected cocoa farmers and stakeholders, signifying the commencement of nationwide distribution under the programme.
Goodwill messages were delivered by stakeholders, while representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland commended the Federal Government and CRIN for bringing such a strategic agricultural initiative to Ibadan, a city with a rich history in cocoa production and agricultural research.
The ceremony ended with a renewed commitment by the Federal Government, CRIN and stakeholders to work together towards building a resilient, competitive and sustainable cocoa industry capable of contributing significantly to Nigeria’s food security, economic diversification and national development.
